A total of 12 members on the planning committee voted against the proposal, with eight being in favour.

North Wales Police said hiring out the “high standard” facility when it’s not in use by them or other emergency services would help cover operating costs and save taxpayers’ cash.

However, local residents who objected to the proposal raised fears over increased noise and the potential for “gun crime in the area”, according to a report to the planning committee.

They also claimed the application was an infringement of human rights as the plans would affect their “reasonable expectation of privacy” and result in the “state interfering with the peaceful enjoyment of property”.

The Rhewl Firing Range Complex, based in the former Craig y Ddywart quarry in Rhewl, opened in 1998 and is credited as being among the best of its kind in Britain.

The site – which is used by other police forces and emergency services – includes an ammunition firing range, several structures for simulating firearms activities, buildings for conferences and meetings, a canteen and parking.

There are also a variety of permanent buildings that are used as practice for terrorist and criminal infiltration techniques.

The site also boasts an assault course and as a whole is regarded as “one of the most comprehensive in the field of firearms training”, according to the planning statement.